In a democracy as active and diverse as ours, we all have an opinion and we all want to make our voices heard. It is impossible for all of us to participate directly in the political process but, luckily for us, we have a system whereby we elect ordinary people among us to represent our views in parliament (the UK’s supreme law-making body). These people are known as MPs which just stands for Members of Parliament. This system is known as a representative democracy and it is these MPs that speak on our behalf on parliament so maybe we should find out just a little more about them?

Who is your MP?

You are a part of this democracy and our country, whether you vote or not, so you have as much a right to speak to your MPs as anyone. But if for some reason your MP has been in hiding, then you can find out who your MP is in two ways:

1. If you know your full post code and have internet access, you can find out who your local MP is by clicking on this link.
2. Alternatively, you can call the House of Commons Information Office on: 0207 219 4272

How to contact your MP?

There are so many ways to contact your local MP. Most convenient way is to do it in writing (letters, faxes or e-mails) where you can ask anything you want or raise a concern. Remember to write clearly and in detail so that your MP can consider your problem carefully and try to help you. You can write to any MP at: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

All MPs have offices in Parliament or have arrangements for their mail to be dealt with or redirected when they are away from London, so it is much better to write to them there, rather than to their local constituency office or home adress.

What is the role of the MP?

MPs have responsibilities to three main groups: Parliament, their political party and, most importantly, to US – the people who vote (formally known as their constituents). One MP is elected to the House of Commons (a green chaired room in Parliament where laws are debated and passed) by each of the UK’s 650 areas (soon to be 600), also known as constituencies.

MP’s duties in Parliament include participating in debates and voting on legislation (laws) and other matters. They may also be members of committees which examine new laws or the work of government departments. Some even have a role as a minister in the government or a spokesperson in opposition (the party that is not in government).

MPs can help us by advising us on problems (especially those that come from the work of government departments), representing our concerns in Parliament and acting as leaders of our local areas. Most MPs usually support their party by voting with their leader in the House of Commons.

This is why it is so important for all of us, at Bite the Ballot and across the country, to rise up and use our energy and our imagination to make MPs vote like we would want them to vote and to bring our community together. Your community needs you and your vote!